Published on August 20, 2024 2:45 p.m.
After a rainy start that put a damper on much of Sunday’s festivities, the West End Fair really got going on Monday when the rides became the main attraction for many families. From 2pm to 6pm, the rides were free, a gesture that attracted a wave of eager fairgoers.
“I’ve ridden the Ferris wheel three times,” says 8-year-old Emma Collins. “I love being so high up. It feels like you’re flying over everything.”
While the Ferris wheel offered a more scenic form of entertainment, 11-year-old Brett Martinez opted for an Avengers-themed ride, where passengers are first lifted up and then held at the top before suddenly falling back to the ground.
“It was incredible,” Martinez said after getting off the track. “My heart was racing when we got to the top and then it went downhill so fast.”
Parents were also happy to see their children having fun after heavy rains marred the opening day of the fair.
Although there were a few showers here and there on Monday, families were able to make the most of their four-hour window for the free ride.
“It was a great day,” said Samantha Collins, Emma’s mother. “Because of the rain yesterday we weren’t sure how the week would go, but today made up for it. The rides are great and it’s great to see how much fun the children are having.”
The operators of the rides were also satisfied with the high number of visitors.
“It’s always great to see so many people come, especially the kids,” said Tom Reynolds, who has worked at fairs across the state for more than a decade. “Seeing their bright smiles makes up for everything.”
The fair continues on Tuesday with Sensory Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All military members are admitted free with ID. Guests receive $2 off admission with a shoebox gift for Operation Christmas Child.
Despite occasional showers, there were always big crowds at the rides during the four-hour free rides on Monday afternoon. Fairgoers had plenty to choose from, including a Scooby-Doo train, carousel, dragon children’s roller coaster, large slide, swings, Avengers, teacups, tilt-a-whirl, amusement park, fire engines and a Ferris wheel. STACI l. GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
On Monday afternoon, passengers at the West End Fair will be able to take a rollercoaster ride with an Avengers motif.JARRAD HEDES/TIMES NEWS
The carousel is one of the most popular attractions during the free ride hours at the West End Fair on Monday. JARRAD HEDES/TIMES NEWS
